Soy Candles

Verbena is a plant that can be grown as a perennial in frost free climates or as an annual otherwise.  They include herbs, shrubs and trees, can be wild or cultivated, and some which have fragrant showy flowers.  Some have leaves that are used in culinary methods.  The ones that grow in the U.S. are wild members called vervains.  They grow without much fuss if you do three things to help promote their growth: pick off the faded blooms called deadheading, fertilize once a year but wait till they are established and growing, and water often when first planted then only when very dry.  The plants grow in clumps and can reach heights of 6-10 inches.  The flowers can be pink, mauve, white, apricot, red, or purple and are very tiny, 5 petaled.  Verbena can be found in garden centers for purchase but are easy to grow from seeds.  It is popular in hanging baskets and in rock gardens and for edging, also in window boxes.  They do need 8-10 hours of direct sunlight and well drained soil.  A potential problem if they do not have these two things is powdery mildew.  Then the spider mites and thrips might also become a problem.  So be sure to offer plenty of sun and keep the soil well drained.  Verbena is a favorite in butterfly gardens, since it grows non-stop for several weeks. 

Verbena has a history behind it.  It has been associated with supernatural and divine forces.  In Ancient Egypt it was called “tears of Isis” and later ” Juno’s tears”.  Ancient Greece dedicated it to Eos Erigineia.  Even in the early Christian era, it was given to folk legend that Common Vervain was used on Jesus wounds after removal from the cross, then became called the “Holy Herb” or “Devil’s bane.  Then there is the legend that when mixed with a herbal tea and by keeping it near you it will protect you from vampires.  The flowers are engraved on Italian charms and is used in the preparation of a mandragora charm outlined in the ”The History and Practice of Magic” 1870 by Paul Christian.

Lemon verbena also known as citronalis has a lemony flavor and scent.  It is sometimes called verbena but is actually from a different plant.  Cultivated verbenas and lemon verbanas are used in tisanes.  These are tea like drinks in which herbs, flowers, or leaves are steeped.  You can find tea bags with verbena or vervain in them in health food stores.  Parts of these plants are distilled to create oils or used in condiments.  Verbena also has aroma-therapeutic uses.  Lemon verbena is believed to be a calming and sedative herb, and when combined with lavender and clary sage in a relaxing blend of essential oils can be used in massage. 

You can find the fragrance of verbena in soy candles and fill your home with that same aroma-therapeutic pleasure.  Verbena can bring calm and peace to your home this Christmas season in the fragrances of Verbena Berry Soy Candle, Coconut Lime Verbena Soy Candle, Soy Votive Candles in these same fragrances, Fragrance Oils in these same fragrances and Start Me Up Gourmet Body Massage Soy Candle.  Have a blessed holiday season!  

When candles are burned they release pollutants.  Combustion creates an assortment of chemical compounds.  There are worse contributors of environmental pollutants than candles however, like open fireplaces, cars, unclean power plants, dirty manufacturing processes, and many more.  Because candles release a much smaller amount of pollutants, you can put them on the bottom of your environmental awareness list.

Some candles are worse with releasing pollutants-than others and if you are thinking of going green you should give soy candles, beeswax or vegetable based candles a try.  The traditional paraffin candles do emit more pollutants.  The ways that burning candles are bad for the environment are due to the byproducts produced when they are combusted.  One byproduct is carbon dioxide.  Paraffin is a petroleum product, a nonrenewable resource, and adds to the pollution through oil spills and issues associated with the process of oil extraction.  Candles produce soot, which is a particulate material that can cause lung irritation.  However soy candles produce very little soot, making them an excellent alternative in the green awareness.  Also the wick can be an issue with burning candles.  Be sure to purchase candles with natural cotton wicks.  Some wicks have zinc and lead as additives, when burned releasing harmful gases.  Even though lead wicks are banned in some parts of the world it is hard to enforce.  Be sure and check the label before buying your candles.  Then think of the wrapping your candle is packaged in.  Is it biodegradable wrapping?  Also the container you candle comes in, is it reusable?   

Our soy candles are made with all natural cotton wicks and have no lead or zinc.  The containers are easily reusable.  The nice thing about soy wax is that it cleans up with just soap and water, making the container environmentally friendly.  Enjoy the holidays with our scented natural soy wax candles.  They come in various reusable containers and sizes, as well as pillar soy candles, soy votives, body massage soy candles, wood wick soy candles and aromatherapy soy candles.  They make great gifts for the hard to buy for person on you holiday shopping list!  

Natural healing uses an alternative method known as aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy can be used to relax and soothe the body and mind and to energize and to arouse.  Essential oils are used in this method of natural healing.  They are the aromatic compounds of plants that have been extracted by steam distillation or other methods.  Your feelings and moods are affected by the aromas of essential oils through your sense of smell.  Certain scents can bring about a state of relaxation, romance, healing or comfort.   Ways this might be accomplished is by the use of oils, inhalers, diffusers and scented soy candles.  Since aromatherapy has the ability to affect your mood, it can be used to enhance your romantic life.

Jasmine, Gardenia, Rose and Geranium are associated with love and romance.  Oils from these herbs can excite your romantic life.  You can find scented soy candles with these fragrant aromas in many different sizes and styles.  A great way to experience aromatherapy is by using body massage soy candles.  These candles are made with natural soy wax.  They leave behind no soot and are non-toxic, meaning they have no pollution type materials in them.  Spice up your life with romance and try aromatherapy soy candles today.

Essential oils are contained in your skin naturally.  They help to lubricate your skin and make it more elastic.  They are important to firm healthy skin, are not greasy and are not bad for you. 

Aromatherapy essential oils are obtained from the leaf, root, stem or heart of a plant.  The oils are distilled and concentrated to preserve the natural occurring properties of the plant.  It takes 10 pounds of plant materials to get one ounce of extracted essential oil.  The natural occurring properties are thought to boost the immune and metabolic systems.

The essential part of the oil indicates it has a distinctive scent or taste of the plant.  They are used in perfumes or cosmetics, to flavor foods and drinks or used in the manufacturing process of candles.  Scented aromatherapy soy candles can be an excellent source to begin to experience the joy of using essential oils.  Aromatherapy makes use of the oils in a branch of alternative medicine, that claims the highly specific aromas of the oils of individual plants have specific curative effects.  The oils have been diluted further by distillation over water to make them less concentrated and widen their use. 

Essential oils are lipophilic or oil loving, meaning they don’t mix with water.  To dilute them you must use other oils, called carrier oils.  Essential oils are diluted to prevent allergic reactions.  The carrier oils hold the essence of the essential oils, becoming the base for the fragrance.  Popular carrier oils are olive oil, sunflower oil, apricot kernel oil, hazelnut and almond oil.  Jojoba oil is the most natural carrier oil but due to the way it is distilled it is more expensive.  The price of essential oils vary with the rarity of the plant and where it was grown.  Some plants produce more than others and some are organically grown.

The theory behind using essential oils is they help to preserve the cells in your body and prevent disease.  Some have natural antiseptic properties as rosemary oil and used to treat acne.  Some can be used internally but never without the supervision of an experienced practitioner as some like eucalyptus are toxic if ingested.  Essential oils are believed to be able to affect our mental status and bring about calm.  Some of the oils are inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs.

Most practicing Jews begin their celebration of Sabbath with the lighting of the Sabbath candles.  It begins on Friday night and is a time of rest, no work and inner reflection.  It begins precisely 18 minutes prior to sundown and is started with a prayer, usually spoken in Hebrew.  The oldest woman in the house is responsible for the lighting of the candles.  When there is not a woman present then the oldest man will light the candles and say the prayer.  It is then customary to cover their eyes, so not to see the light.  Two is the traditional minimum number of candles used, but more is OK.  The two candles represent two important texts in the Old Testament or the Torah.  During the Sabbath the candles are also an important source of light, as even electricity is shunned. 

Soy candles can be used as a source of light in areas where there is no electricity.  It is always a good idea to have a few on hand, especially during the stormy weather ahead.  Scented soy candles come in pillars, votives, containers, tart melts, aromatherapy, body massage and wood wicks.  Pick your favorite fragrance, color and size.  Soy candles are made from natural soy wax and are non-toxic, biodegradable, affordable, a renewable resource, and are a healthy choice.

The use of aromatherapy include the following benefits: it aides in relaxation, relieves stress and boosts energy levels, can be used to treat migraine headaches, indigestion, arthritis, menstrual cramps and other minor physical ailments.  Aromatherapy is the science of using essential oils to promote an improved sense of well being. 

Essential oils are made from natural plant extracts and have pleasing scents.  Don’t confuse essential oils with fragrance oils.  They are entirely different products with different purposes.  Fragrance oils are created in a lab and are synthetic scents.  Only essential oils offer the benefits of aromatherapy.  Essential oils are more expensive since they are highly concentrated and must be harvested with extreme care.

The use of essential oils can be harmful if not used as intended even though they are all natural products.  Many oils have harmful and dangerous side effects if not taken correctly and sometimes the supervision of a trained aromatherapist is recommended.  Certain essential oils can be harmful to children and pregnant women and people with epilepsy, heart disease, asthma or other chronic medical conditions.  These people should ask questions of their health-care provider before using aromatherapy essential oils.

For the benefits of using aromatherapy at home the most common way is with an aromatherapy massage.  You must remember not to apply the essential oils directly to the skin as they can cause irritation and rashes.  They must first be diluted with a carrier oil such as grape-seed oil, sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil.  Body massage soy candles are already diluted with grape-seed oil and are safe for use on the skin.  They are special soy candles made to melt into a body massage oil that are richly scented.  Another way to experience the use of aromatherapy in your home is with scented aromatherapy soy candles made with pure essential oils.

Tart warmers, also know as a tart burner, come in many styles, shapes and sizes.  You will find them made out of ceramic, glass or metal. They can add flair and design to your home.  If used to melt aromatherapy tarts they will benefit your inner being as well.  A tart warmer will melt your tarts without the use of a flame.  There are two types: an electric one and a non-electric one.  They can also disperse the aroma of fragrance oils as well as soy candles.  To melt a soy candle simply remove the tart dish and set your candle directly on the warmer.  When using soy tart melts your warmer will disperse the aroma by melting the soy wax and thus allowing the aroma to fill your home.  The fragrance of your tarts, when melted in a warmer, will often be much stronger than that of a traditional scented burning candle.

The electric warmer works by the use of a small bulb that heats the oil or tart and melts it.  As it is being heated the aroma is released.  A non-electric warmer uses a tealight to melt the oil or tart.  With this style you will have a flame since the tealight is a candle.  The decision is up to you which style you prefer. 

The advantage of using a tart warmer is that your melts will last much longer than a candle would.  When you are done with the warmer simply turn it off or put the tealight out.  The tarts will harden and can be used again and again.  If you want to enjoy a different fragrance simply remove the harden tart wax and store it.  Another advantage is that you can use that soy candle that is to low to burn anymore and put it in your warmer and still enjoy the fragrance as it melts.  No more wasted scented soy candles. 

Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between the watermint and the spearmint plants.  It is a perennial plant that flowers from mid to late summer.  Its flowers are purple in color.  It is regarded by some as the world’s oldest medicine.  Archaeological evidence places it in use as far back as ten thousand years ago in the Greek and Roman empires.  They used it to freshen the breath and aid digestion.  It is even featured in the Bible, being used in crowns and bouquets in an attempt to ward off drunkenness.  The ancient world used peppermint in its raw form, leaves or flowers. 

Today it is used in commercial products as gum or mints.  Also it is used in health promoting products such as skin treatments, toothpaste, mouthwashes and essential oils.  It’s high concentration of menthol is the reason it is used in health products.  Menthol is an organic compound that possess a powerful counter-irritant and has local anesthetic qualities. 

Today we use peppermint in a refined or processed form, peppermint essential oil being the most common.  It can be used to treat headaches, toothaches and nausea, heartburn, vomiting and indigestion.  Aromatherapy uses peppermint essential oil to comfort and refresh the skin from its cooling and soothing properties, in a lotion to soothe irritated and painful skin due to chicken pox and shingles and when added to water can treat sunburned skin and refresh tired feet. 

For a refreshing peppermint aroma try the scent of Cool Breeze in gourmet body massage soy candles or aromatherapy soy candles.  Soy candles are a healthy choice to make and environmentally friendly to use.

Jasmine is a member of shrubs and vines in the olive family.  There are around 200 species that grow in the tropical, warm temperate regions of the Old World.  The majority grow as climbers and can be green all year round or have falling leaves in the autumn.  Jasmine is cultivated for its flowers, worn by women in their hair in southern and southeast Asia.  Other uses include using jasmine as a herb to treat a number of aliments, such as fevers, conjunctivitis, topically for corns on the feet, sunburn or rashes using a lotion made from jasmine.  Jasmine provides restored elasticity to the skin by promoting the production of natural oils.   

 A tea called jasmine tisane is consumed in China.  It is made by using a base of green tea and the jasmine flower.  The flower only opens at night during the full moon.  It is picked in the morning when the petals are closed and stored in a cool place till night.  The petals will open as the temperature cools in the evening.  The tea and flowers are put together in a machine that controls the humidity and temp.  The tea absorbs the fragrance of the flower.

Many species of jasmine are used in the production of perfumes and incense.  Jasmine essential oil is commonly used.  Chemical extraction is used on the flowers to obtain the essential oil.  A large amount of flowers are needed to produce a small amount of oil, thus making it very expensive.  India, China, Egypt and Morocco all produce jasmine essential oil. 

Aromatherapy uses jasmine in the form of body oils, incense and scented candles.  It provides a pleasing aroma that is believed to elevate the mood, relieve stress, encourage a healthy libido, treat insomnia, treat postpartum depression and desensitize pain during childbirth. 

Using scented soy candles offers the benefits of jasmine and also the healthier choice of candle usage.  Soy candles are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, a renewable resource and burn 50% longer than paraffin candles.  You can find the fragrance of jasmine in the following soy candle aromas: French Kiss, Colour My World, Ylang-Ylang, Oui Oui, Seduction, Tango, and Jasmine. 

Ylang-ylang is a tropical tree.   Its flowers, when processed by steam distillation, produce an essential oil used in aromatherapy and in making perfumes.  It has a heavy, sweet scent similar to jasmine.  It is often associated with weddings and honeymoons.  The essential oil comes in four grades: ylang extra, ylang I, ylang II and ylang III.  The variance in grades is based on when the oil is removed in the steam distillation process.  The process can take 24 hours and the lengthier it is the lighter the scent of the oil.  Ylang extra has the strongest scent and ylang III has the weakest scent.  All grades have a heavy scent, so be sure to add carefully to any blend you are making.  It can easily overpower other scents.  You can use ylang-ylang essential oil in recipes that call for jasmine.  Jasmine is more costly and many budgets can’t afford it. 

Ylang-ylang fragrance is considered an aphrodisiac.  It is also used in aromatherapy and is considered to have stress relieving properties.  Try a few drops in a hot bath to melt the cares of the day away.  It is believed to reduce anxiety and even relieve depression.  In people sensitive to heavy floral scents the aroma of ylang-ylang can be overpowering and may cause headaches.

If you don’t have time for that hot bath to unwind the day with, try instead a scented soy candle with the fragrance of ylang-ylang.  You can find this fragrance in the soy scents of Ylang-Ylang, Enchanted Journey and Sensual Moments.  A gourmet body massage soy candle with this fragrance is great for that romantic honeymoon getaway.